Snowall Cradle Lake
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A remote alpine lake tucked beneath Sixty Six Hundred Ridge in the upper Icicle Creek drainage, reached through old-growth forest and wildflower meadows.
About This Trail
The trail to Cradle Lake follows French Creek through dense old-growth forest, climbing steadily through stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar before breaking into open subalpine meadows. Wildflowers carpet the hillsides in midsummer, and the turquoise lake sits in a glacially carved cirque beneath rocky ridgelines.
Most hikers approach from the Jack Creek Trailhead, connecting via the Meadow Creek Trail. The route works well as an overnight backpack, with good campsites at the lake. Trip reports consistently flag the stretch between Bootjack and the Snowall-Cradle Lake trail as rough and overgrown, so planning the loop version requires extra time and route-finding ability.
Meadow Creek presents a significant ford in early season. Water runs waist-deep through June and early July. Late summer visits avoid this hazard and offer the best wildflower displays. Bugs are aggressive from late June through mid-July. Come prepared with head nets and repellent.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“We did this as a 3-day, 2-night back from the Jack Trout Trailhead.”
Last report: Jul 11, 2025
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Creek ford at Meadow Creek (waist-deep in early season)
- Overgrown and brushy trail sections
- Bugs heavy June through mid-July
Getting There
Jack Creek Trailhead has a well-maintained parking area with restroom facilities. Road has some rough patches but is passable for most vehicles. Northwest Forest Pass required.
From the Jack Creek Trailhead, follow the French Creek Trail (#1595) to the Meadow Creek junction. The trail climbs steadily to Sixty Six Hundred Ridge before dropping to Cradle Lake. A loop option connects via Blackjack Ridge, but expect rough, overgrown conditions on the connector sections.
Start early for the long approach. An overnight trip with camp at Cradle Lake is the most comfortable way to experience this area.
Recent Reports
We did this as a 3-day, 2-night back from the Jack Trout Trailhead. This was a beautiful trip, but I’d recommend against doing this as a loop it for most people, because of the stretch between Bootjack and the Snowall-Cradle Lake trail.
This trip was originally a 4-day 3-night loop planned, but turned into an overnight with how badly day 1 and start of day 2 beat me up. For reference purposes Day 1 from Jack Trout TH to junction of Meadow Creek/French Creek was about 14.
Distance: 27 miles Vertical: 7800 feet Weather: Sunny mornings, thunderstorms building in the afternoons, but only sprinkles and lightning; no wind; 70F high, 40F low Road/Parking: Road is clear with some rough patches. Trailhead is very nice with good parking and a restroom.
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